Measles Explodes–1,100 Cases Smash Records

Over 1,100 measles cases erupted across America in just two months of 2026, exposing a preventable crisis fueled by dropping vaccination rates that could shatter decades of hard-won public health victories.

Story Snapshot

CDC confirms 1,136 cases in 28 jurisdictions by late February 2026, six times a typical year’s total.
90% of cases link to outbreaks, 92% in unvaccinated or unknown status individuals.
South Carolina leads with nearly 1,000 cases in its persistent outbreak.
No deaths yet, but 4% hospitalized amid risks like pneumonia and encephalitis.
Urgent push for MMR vaccines as 2026 cases carry over from record 2025 highs.

2026 Measles Surge Timeline

CDC tracked measles cases from January 1, 2026. By February 19, 982 cases appeared in 26 states plus 6 from international travelers, with 7 new outbreaks starting that year. Numbers jumped to 1,136 by February 26-27 after 154 new cases the prior week. This marked 10 new outbreaks year-to-date, surpassing 1,100 cases faster than recent precedents. South Carolina reported 979 cases alone.

Historical Context and 2025 Carryover

Measles vanished from the US in 2000 thanks to MMR vaccination campaigns achieving herd immunity. International travel reintroduces the virus amid global outbreaks. 2025 recorded 2,281 cases across 45 jurisdictions—the highest in 33 years—with 50 outbreaks and 3 deaths in unvaccinated people, the first US fatalities in a decade. 871 of 2026 cases stem directly from those 2025 outbreaks. Post-COVID vaccination dips left kindergartner MMR rates at 92.5% in 2024-2025, down from 95.2% pre-pandemic.

Outbreak Hotspots and Demographics

Outbreaks cluster in under-vaccinated communities across 28 jurisdictions. 94% of 2026 cases involve unvaccinated or unknown status individuals. South Carolina dominates with 979 cases, followed by Utah (117) and Florida (64). 25% of patients fall under age 5, 84% at 19 or younger. Symptoms hit 7-14 days post-exposure: fever over 104°F, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. Only 10 states plus DC reach the 95% MMR threshold for herd immunity.

Stakeholders Drive Containment Efforts

CDC monitors cases, issues weekly updates, and recommends two MMR doses—97% effective against measles. State health departments like South Carolina DPH manage local responses, enforcing quarantines and vaccination drives. Local agencies provide resources. CDC coordinates data with states amid tensions from vaccine-hesitant communities resisting mandates. Pediatricians push MMR; anti-vaccine influences correlate with low uptake rates, like Idaho’s 78.5% coverage, defying common-sense personal responsibility and community protection.

CDC: 1,136 measles cases in the U.S. this year, but no deaths https://t.co/W4ECLsqpOh

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 27, 2026

Impacts and Expert Warnings

38 hospitalizations strain resources short-term, with 1 in 5 unvaccinated cases requiring care and 1 in 1,000 risking encephalitis. Long-term, lagging vaccinations threaten endemic return and child deaths at 1-3 per 1,000 infections. Schools disrupt, communities fear outbreaks, and costs mount for responses. CDC states nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 infected children die from complications. South Carolina DPH affirms MMR protects self and others. Experts note 2026 paces to top 2025 records in low-vaccination zones.